Socio-educational center Surb Mariane of the Aragatsotn Diocese

The “Saint Mariane” Social-Educational Center was established by the Diocese of Aragatsotn. The Center is not a legal entity and implements social support, community development, and environmental programs. The city of Ashtarak is located 22 km from Yerevan and faces relatively high levels of unemployment and population outmigration. Women are often single and unemployed, have no professional qualifications, and rely primarily on social benefits as the main source of family income. In some cases, families also rely on disability pensions. Women seek temporary seasonal employment and participate in harvest work during the summer months, which is often their only source of income throughout the year. The goal is to contribute to the sustainable development of the A. community by ensuring socially vulnerable families have access to better living conditions and equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. The Center places particular emphasis on developing the skills of vulnerable groups, especially women. Through home visits/interviews/observations/surveys, the Center assesses vulnerable families in the community and identifies their needs. Each year, the Center works with 90–100 families from A. and neighboring villages. As of 2025, the Center had 232 direct beneficiaries (112 women, 120 children). Indirect beneficiaries include their relatives/friends/ community members, and volunteers who support the implementation of the programs, approx. 200 people. The total number of direct and indirect beneficiaries is approx. 432 people. In 2025, 112 women received vocational education at the Center: all participants received certificates. Some women also received professional tools and equipment to start their own businesses or engage in home-based production. As a result of the Center’s activities, many women have acquired new professional skills, found employment, become economically independent, and developed into active and full members of society.